Full metal challenge : metal mania

From China to Chile, South Africa to Southampton - engines have been revving in eager anticipation for months. "Full Metal Challenge" is on its way. From the creators of "Junkyard Wars" and "Banzai" comes Channel 4's massive new 13 part series.

Over 30 teams will be competing in the Stadium of Doom, in a series of awesome challenges designed to test their custom-made vehicles.

The amazing hand made monsters eight wheel drives, articulated mammoths and mini tanks come from all over the world.

Each week a UK and US team will compete with one other nationality.

But what they all share, from the Russian Bears to the US Have a Go Likelies, are hard-core petrol-heads, ready to ride into combat on the back of some of the most incredible automobiles you've ever seen.

Metal Mania, the first in an exclusive F.M.C. publishing programme will focus on the machines and the teams who created them.

From the first scrappy designs to the resulting behemoths.

Welcome to the starting grid ladies and gentlemen. "Full Metal Challenge" is locked and loaded, lights are set at red.

Let battle commence!